Mamiya 645 55mm AFD lens

[BobDavid]

I am thiniking about purchasing a Mamiya 55mm AFD. I am curious to know if the lens is sharp and chromatic aberation under control. Anybody out there familiar with this lens?

[Paul2660]

I think you will find the 55mm to be an excellent performer.  Depending on the digital back, it will be around a 35mm equivalent (to 35mm film).

I have seen no CA with mine, and good corner to corner sharpness.  
You don't have the AF/MF control on the lens like the 35mm F3.5 Mamiya has, so you have to control from the camera.  

Paul C

[TMARK]

Super sharp, lots of contrast, saturated color.  I get CA wide open on backlit subjects.  Its a normal wide on a P21/P30/A17/A65.

[BobDavid]

I should have qualified in the original post that I'd be using the 55 on a full-frame (37mm X 48mm) mfdb.

[TMARK]

I should have qualified in the original post that I'd be using the 55 on a full-frame (37mm X 48mm) mfdb.
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I've shot the 55mm with an A22 and an A75 also.  Same result, but a wider field of view. Sharp to the edges. For film and full(er) frame digital my preferred focal length was 55mm.  Since I have a P30+ I now use the 45mm.  The 55mm is better than the 45mm, hands down.

[canmiya]

I've shot the 55mm with an A22 and an A75 also.  Same result, but a wider field of view. Sharp to the edges. For film and full(er) frame digital my preferred focal length was 55mm.  Since I have a P30+ I now use the 45mm.  The 55mm is better than the 45mm, hands down.
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i agree with your assessment of the 55: my experience is the same. i shoot with an aptus22 back.

[Robin Balas]

I should have qualified in the original post that I'd be using the 55 on a full-frame (37mm X 48mm) mfdb.
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Full frame??? We have really bought into this marketing hype now haven't we... Shame on Hassy for that.

And full frame refers to the kind of CCD chip used as it describes how data is read out (one pass or progressivly), not the physical size of the chip relativ to the format.
But as most people tend to use the full frame expression towards size it should be 55-56 mm not 48mm along the long side of a 645 to be a full frame. Or?

[BobDavid]

Full frame??? We have really bought into this marketing hype now haven't we... Shame on Hassy for that.

And full frame refers to the kind of CCD chip used as it describes how data is read out (one pass or progressivly), not the physical size of the chip relativ to the format.
But as most people tend to use the full frame expression towards size it should be 55-56 mm not 48mm along the long side of a 645 to be a full frame. Or?
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Do you know of a "fuller" digital frame for digital Mr. Professor?

[Robin Balas]

Do you know of a "fuller" digital frame for digital Mr. Professor?
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Is dpreview down?
Of course I know of a fuller format chip, you do as well. 100% coverage of lens circles and camera housing capabilities is common in digital cameras. (4:3 system, 35mm digital, 6x6/6x7/.../6x17 scanning back)
Personally I tend to like the idea to keep the photographic formats connected to the lens and camera housings dimensions as has been common for quite a long time. The current crop rates on MF chips hasn't been around for long, so in a few years I'm pretty sure there will be true full format for MFDBs available.
HB is the only camera systems manufacturer who have made 1 -one- lens which isn't capable of true 645. There is nothing suggesting this trend is cathing support with Mamiya or Rollei yet.
I belive calling a dog a dog is correct, or do you suggest that we keep a record for each format , APS-C, APS-H , 35mm, 645, 4x5 and the current biggest chip and call that full format until something bigger comes out? Personally I don't think that is a good idea.
And at last the "full frame CCD" referes to a progessive chip readout and 36x24/36x36/44x33mm CCD's in the older MFDB's also carried that title as well as todays biigest CCD chips in MFDB and progressive video cameras. It has nothing to do with the chip size.
MHO.
Mr. Professor
(regardless of your intent I take that as a compliment and you would see why if you knew me in person)

[Jack Flesher]

Is dpreview down?
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Good one!  I laughed so hard I almost sprayed coffee on my keyboard      

FWIW, I echo the sentiments that the 55 AF is an excellent optic -- it is my most-used lens on my Mamiya/Phase combo.

Cheers,